NNAS & CNO Registration

NNAS & CNO: Your Pathway to Nursing in Canada

Canada is a top destination for nurses looking for a safe, stable, and welcoming environment to grow their careers. From competitive salaries to permanent residency options, the Canadian healthcare system offers tremendous opportunities to internationally educated nurses  especially from countries like Nepal. But before you can practice as a nurse in Canada, you must go through an official recognition and registration process. The first step? NNAS.

What Is NNAS?

The National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) is the centralized body that evaluates the educational and professional background of internationally educated nurses. Its a mandatory step for anyone who wants to work as a:

  • Registered Nurse (RN)
  • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
  • Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN)

NNAS does not issue licenses, but they assess your credentials and forward their report to the provincial nursing bodies, such as CNO in Ontario or BCCNM in British Columbia.

NNAS & CNO Registration

After NNAS: The Role of CNO

If you plan to work in Ontario, one of the most popular provinces for newcomers your application will proceed to the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) after NNAS. CNO will review the advisory report from NNAS, and then determine your eligibility to proceed through one of several routes, which may include:

  • NCLEX-RN exam (for RNs)
  • Additional coursework or exams
  • Evidence of recent practice or supervised practice

CNO is known for having a clear process, but its still lengthy and requires careful preparation. This is where NCLEX Center comes in.

How NCLEX Center Supports Your Canadian Dream

Weve worked with hundreds of nurses pursuing Canadian registration and know the process inside out. Whether you’re just starting NNAS or waiting for your CNO decision, we offer full-cycle support:

  • Document Preparation & Submission for NNAS
  • Application Guidance for CNO (or other provincial bodies)
  • NCLEX-RN Preparation (for those pursuing RN license)
    English Test (IELTS Academic) Preparation
  • Advice on Supervised Practice & Provincial Pathways
  • Job Placement Guidance and Immigration Consultation

Our counselors ensure you avoid delays, submit your documents correctly, and meet every requirement on time.

Typical Canadian Nursing Registration Timeline

Stage Estimated Timeframe
NNAS Account + Document Prep 12 months
NNAS Review & Advisory Report 46 months
CNO/Other Regulatory Decision 13 months
NCLEX-RN (if required) 25 months
Job Search + Immigration 36 months
Total Estimated Time 1218 months

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